Handbook

If an emergency occurs in your family, our offices will assist you in any way possible. In a real emergency, the main office will help relay a message or pull a student out of class. Delivering non-emergency, individual messages to students is not feasible for the busy secretarial staff, and paging into classrooms is disruptive to teachers and their classes.

Please, make arrangements with your student prior to school in order to avoid disrupting the academic day. Teachers are available during various times throughout the day and after school for parent contact. Teacher's home/cell phone numbers are not available for students or parents.

New York State education law requires that students attend school every day it is in session unless they are legally excused. The educational program offered by Williamsville schools is predicated on the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation.

Based upon our District’s education and community needs, values, and priorities, the District has determined that absences, tardiness, and early departures will be considered excused or unexcused according to the following:

Excused: An absence, tardiness or early departure may be excused due to:

• Personal illness
• Illness or death in the family
• Impassable roads due to inclement weather
• Religious observance
• Participation in "Take Your Child to Work" day
• Quarantine
• Required court appearances
• Attendance at health clinics
• Approved college visits
• Approved cooperative work programs
• Military obligations
• Late bus
• School-sponsored field trips
• School endorsed but non-school sponsored activities with a bona fide educational purpose and a direct relationship to the student's current course schedule to include NYSBDA; NYSSMA; honor ensembles; state-level FBLA and DECA competitions and officer meetings; and sectional, regional, state and national athletic competitions for individual athletes
• Or other such reasons as may be approved by the Board of Education

Unexcused: An absence, tardiness or early departure is considered unexcused if the reason for the lack of attendance does not fall into the above categories. Examples of unexcused absences include but are not limited to:

• Family vacation
• Hunting
• Babysitting
• Haircut
• Missed bus
• Obtaining a learner's permit
• Oversleeping
• Private instruction
• Road test

Board of Education Attendance Policy #7110

Please WITSmail the attendance office to provide written notice of an absence.

Parents/guardians should contact the attendance office to report any student absence. If your child needs to leave school prior to the end of the scheduled school day, please call the Attendance Office so proper notification/dismissal can be accommodated. If you have any additional questions regarding attendance, absences, or dismissal, please call the Attendance Office.

The following are examples of excused absences in the Williamsville Central School District:

• Family Emergency
• Illness
• Legal
• Late Bus
• Medical Reason
• Religious Observance
• School Activity (i.e. Field Trip)

Students are expected to be in school, on time, every day. The building will be open to students starting at 7:00 am. First period attendance will be taken at 7:45 am.

A student may not participate in a school activity (including athletic events, extracurriculars, plays, concerts etc.) if they have not attended school for half a day.  Specifically, the student must have arrived by 11:00 am and stayed the entire day OR must have attended school from the start of the school day until at least 11:00 am.  An exception to this rule may be allowed by review from an administrator.   Students should speak to an administrator in advance of the absence if possible.   

Students who are sent home by the nurse due to illness may not participate in after school activities unless they provide a written note from a health care provider.

Assembly programs provide a unique educational opportunity to be shared and enjoyed by the students and the entire school community. They play an important role in enhancing the overall learning process for all who participate.

To ensure the success and integrity of each assembly program held, the following procedures have been established:

• Students will enter the auditorium and be seated in a timely and responsible manner. All books and notebooks are to be left in a classroom or locker. Students are to remain with their teacher during the assembly program in case of emergency evacuation. Attendance must be taken after the evacuation.
• Students will stand at the beginning of the National Anthem and/or Pledge of Allegiance and will be seated immediately upon its conclusion.
• Students are to display courteous behavior throughout the duration of the program. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and will result in prompt removal from the auditorium for disciplinary action.

Attendance will be taken in each class. Students who need to be excused from class must ask the teacher of that class for permission in advance. All students are expected to report to class whether the regular teacher is present or not. In the event of a teacher absence, instructions will be given to students regarding the class period. Students that are meeting with another staff member, attending school-approved events, or possessing a verified early release/late arrival will not be reported as cutting the class. Students who have a medical excuse from physical education are expected to attend P.E. class unless the instructor indicates otherwise.

Disciplinary action can range from low-level consequences (e.g. verbal reprimand, temporary removal from the classroom by the teacher or administrator) to higher-level consequences (e.g. detention, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension). Our goal is to maintain the integrity of the learning environment by using the least restrictive means possible.

Parents and guardians also have an important role in maintaining student behavior. Students have the best chance to succeed when we work together and communicate.

The Williamsville Central School District is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive and district personnel may deliver quality educational services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by students, teachers, other District personnel, parents and other visitors is essential to achieving this goal. Williamsville has had a code of conduct in place since 1979, with a revised code adopted in accordance with New York State S.A.V.E. Legislation in 2001. In 2005, the Code of Conduct was updated to include expectations outlined in the District’s policy on staff-student relations.

The Code of Conduct is reviewed annually. The Board of Education adopted the Code of Conduct with recommended revisions.

In September 2010, the New York State Legislature enacted the Dignity for All Students Act (“Dignity Act” or “Act”), which took effect on July 1, 2012, to make it the policy of the State to provide all students in New York public schools an environment free of discrimination and harassment. The Act applies to all New York public school districts (“districts”), Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (“BOCES”), and charter schools. This Summit seeks to build upon the foundation provided in the Dignity Act to discuss addressing school discipline policies more broadly in New York public schools. Below is a brief overview of the Dignity Act.

PURPOSE OF THE DIGNITY ACT

• New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act was established with the broad legislative intent to provide a school environment free of discrimination and harassment.
• The goal of the Act is to create a safe and supportive school climate where students can learn and focus, rather than fear being discriminated against and/or verbally and/or physically harassed.
• The Act provides a response to the large number of harassed and stigmatized students skipping school and engaging in high-risk behaviors, by prohibiting discrimination in public schools and establishing the basis for protective measures such as training and modeL policies.
• The Act takes a major step in creating more nurturing environments in all New York public schools.

WHAT THE DIGNITY ACT DOES

• The Dignity Act states that no student shall be subjected to harassment or discrimination by employees or students on school property or at a school function based on their actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex.
• The Act also focuses on the prevention of harassment and discriminatory behaviors through the promotion of educational measures meant to positively impact school culture and climate.
• The Act also requires schools to collect and report data regarding material incidents of discrimination and harassment.

Williamsville South High School is a tradition-based community of students, staff, and parents/guardians working to provide a positive, supportive learning environment that fosters mutual respect, responsibility, and critical thinking. All students are given opportunities to become decision-makers, lifelong learners, and dependable, productive citizens. Since academic and behavioral integrity is an important facet of our building culture, WSHS does not condone cheating and plagiarism.

Children must:

• Be on time
• Be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive
• NEVER run to or from the bus
• Stand well back from the curb
• Stay in your seat
• Keep the aisles clear and keep heads and arms inside windows
• ALWAYS obey the driver
• Keep the noise level down and avoid distracting the driver
• Wait for the driver’s signal before crossing
• NEVER bend down near or under the bus
• Cross at least 15 feet in front of the bus
• ALWAYS check for traffic both ways before crossing

Academic integrity means completing academic work honestly, responsibly, and in accordance with District policies and regulations, the District Code of Conduct, school policies and guidelines, school, course and department expectations, and teacher direction. Students are expected to submit work that authentically reflects their own learning and to appropriately acknowledge the ideas, visuals, words, information, and work of others. Students are responsible for understanding and following these expectations. When students are unsure whether a resource or type of assistance is permitted, they should seek clarification before using it.

Students should:

• Follow District policies and regulations, the District Code of Conduct, school policies and guidelines, school, course and department expectations, and teacher direction.
• Complete their own work when an assignment or assessment is intended to be completed independently.
• Follow directions regarding collaborative work and understand when collaboration is and is not permitted. Contribute appropriately to collaborative work when collaboration is authorized. 
• Prepare for assignments and assessments by studying, reviewing materials, and asking questions.
• Manage their time responsibly so that assignments can be completed thoughtfully and by established deadlines.
• Ask for help from teachers and other appropriate school personnel when concepts, directions, or expectations are unclear or when assistance for successful completion is needed.
• Use only authorized resources and assistance when completing assignments and assessments.
• Use technology, digital resources, and AI tools appropriately and only to the extent permitted for the particular course, assignment, or assessment and in alignment with the District’s AI policy.
• Acknowledge the use of AI or other assistance when required.
• Give appropriate credit to sources when using another person's words, ideas, information, images, data, or other work.
• Use quotation marks and citations when directly quoting another source.
• Cite information that is paraphrased or summarized when citation is required.
• Paraphrase genuinely, expressing information in their own words and thinking rather than simply rearranging or replacing a few words.
• Protect their own work and assessment materials and avoid making their work available for unauthorized use by others.
• When in doubt, ask the teacher before using a resource, collaborating, or receiving assistance.
   

Williamsville South Course Catalog

The High School Course Catalog has been developed to assist students and parents in planning high school programs. It will serve to inform both the student and their parents of graduation requirements and the broad range of required and elective courses available in the high schools of the Williamsville Central School District.

It is the responsibility of students to discuss course options with school counselors and other appropriate individuals within their high school building to gather additional information that this Catalog does not convey.

It should also be understood that the three high schools in the Williamsville Central School District, although pursuing the same goals and objectives through their course offerings, represent different learning environments. These environments are a function of the student, as well as the teachers and community surrounding the school.

The Williamsville Central School District faculty prides themselves on incorporating the philosophy of Differentiated Instruction into their classroom activities and lessons. By utilizing this philosophy, educators present content material in various ways to address learning styles, readiness levels, and varied interests among students.

Differentiated Instruction also offers students the opportunity to work with their peers in groups that are heterogeneously mixed. Structuring lessons in this fashion helps to ensure that students are exercising positive social skills and successfully accessing course material. It is hoped that through the use of this Catalog and the other services available that the high school educational program decided upon will help all students to reach their personal goals and provide them with satisfying and enlightening life experiences. Please review the Course Catalog on the school website for updated course offerings.

Advanced Coursework Opportunities

Per the New York State Education Department, "advanced coursework" means any middle, high school, or college level honors, gifted, accelerated, advanced placement, dual enrollment, or concurrent-enrollment course, or a course that would offer the ability for a student to earn college credit and/or an industry recognized certification.

The District acknowledges that advanced coursework can foster academic excellence, enhance critical thinking skills, and prepare students for college and career success. In light of the potential benefits and opportunities, the District is committed to offering a variety of advanced coursework options.

For further information please contact your child's school regarding offerings and schedules. Please also visit the District’s website on Advanced Coursework Opportunities for additional information.

All incompletes should be resolved by three weeks into the next marking period. An extension may be given based extenuating circumstances. 

Numerical marks are to be used in the Williamsville Central School District.

Report Cards will be available on WITS approximately every 10 weeks, with progress reports available on WITS at the 5, 15, 25, and 35 week intervals for all students whose academic progress is unsatisfactory. Positive progress reports are also encouraged.  All grades for the school year must be finalized by the end of the school year.

The minimum passing mark is 65.

If a student retakes an examination or course and passes it, the higher of the two grades will be reflected in the students’ transcript.

Honor roll/merit roll is determined at the end of each marking period. To be considered for honor roll/merit roll, students must carry a minimum course load of 5 units plus one-half unit of physical education.

To be eligible for merit roll, the marking period grade average must be between 85 and 89.99.  To be eligible for the honor roll, the marking period grade average must be 90 or higher.

There are circumstances in which students wish to change a course request after Mid-February when course requests are locked. During this time, students or parents/guardians may WITSmail their school counselor with such requests. Over the summer, the school counselor will review all requests and will make changes based on availability and class size limitations. There are NO GUARANTEES. You may not hear from your counselor right away in the summer. They are only in a few sporadic days and will work on requests received on those days. There will be an add/drop week for students who want to try and change a class, but this will only be done in the second full week of September. Schedule changes are not guaranteed. Changes made during Add/drop week cannot unbalance class sizes, and will only allow for changes for level or electives. Add/drops will not be approved to be with friends or to change teachers, etc. A parent or guardian must initiate the add/drop process with a WITSmail before the student goes to Guidance for a schedule change.

Classes are balanced evenly when the Master Schedule is completed. Great care is taken to make sure each child is in a class that is appropriately sized to maximize student learning opportunities. To keep classes from becoming unbalanced, we will not be accepting any schedule changes after the full schedule is released through WITS towards the end of August. The only exception is for errors on student schedules.

Student Placement & Scheduling:

• Work with teachers and parents/guardians to place students in the appropriate academic courses
• Help students and parents/guardians select NYS required courses and electives to fulfill diploma requirements.
• Schedule students in courses; counsel students in regard to course drop/add.
• Counseling for Personal, Social & School Problems
• Difficulty adjusting to high school
• Peer pressure, home, and school problems
• Academic difficulty, report cards, parent/guardian phone calls
• Referral to appropriate services and agencies

Career Exploration:

• College and Career Center offers students opportunities (grades 9-12) to create Naviance accounts where students can take interest inventories, do college research and search for scholarships
• Career Center Services: Grades 9 - 12
• Students should meet with their school counselors to discuss their post high school plans - the challenges, opportunities, and preparation
• Harkness and New Visions opportunities

College Preparation:

• Grades and high school transcript
• Activities in and out of school
• Letters of recommendation by teachers, counselors
• Important Tests: PSAT Grade 11 (Fall), SAT or ACT Grade 11 (spring), Grade 12 (fall)
• Applications for SUNY and other public and private colleges
• College and Career Center offers students the opportunities to attend college visits by college representatives and military personnel, participate in instant admit days by local colleges and get updated scholarship information through Naviance
   

A separate division of Student Services is the Career Center in A149. You can find information about job openings, career choices, colleges, and the Armed Forces.

Student Services personnel can also help students learn how to prepare for the SAT and other college tests.

In addition to counselors, we have a social worker on staff. The school social worker is located in the Student Services Office. The social worker sees students and sometimes their families for a wide variety of counseling reasons. 

Some examples are: family problems, depression, anxiety, coping skills, boyfriend/girlfriend issues, grief and loss, substance abuse, etc. 

Students may request an appointment through their school counselor or go to the Student Services front desk to schedule an appointment during passing time, unassigned times, or before/after school. Information shared is considered confidential and is not shared with others except in extreme situations such as abuse, threat to self, or threat to others.

An application for a Working Permit is available in the Student Services Office between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, or online at the Williamsville Schools website. Instructions are attached to the applications, which must be signed by a parent. Physical fitness certification and a birth certificate are also required.

Working permits are issued for students 14/15 years old. When a student turns 16 years of age, he/she must reapply for a new permit and repeat the process. The permit is valid until the minor reaches 18 years of age. After 18 years of age, working permits are no longer required. The employer will keep the permit on file for the NYS Labor Board. If you leave a job, ask for the permit to give to your next employer.

A variety of clubs and activities are provided to students throughout the school year, provided an advisor is available and Board approved. Please refer to the  digital editions of the Student Activities Handbook as these items are updated throughout the school year.

Groups occasionally plan out of school activities that are not sponsored by the school. School-sponsored activities will always be properly chaperoned by school personnel. Parental/ guardian permission is required for students to attend.

Any outside activity that does not require parent/guardian permission is not school sponsored. Therefore, the school will not accept the responsibility or liability for students attending such activities.

The National Honor Society is a national organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. NHS serves to honor those students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1921.

Eligible juniors and seniors receive invitations to attend an informational meeting each year in December. Each student is responsible for completing the necessary paperwork to be considered for membership in NHS.

The society’s core values and criteria for membership are:

• Academics – The student must have a cumulative average of at least 90.0 calculated after the first marking period of the junior year (9 quarters) or, if not inducted as a junior, after 12 quarters for consideration as a senior.
• Character – The student must demonstrate a high standard of personal character. The candidate respects self, peers, and staff, has no known instances of cheating or dishonesty, and has little or no discipline history.
• Leadership – The student has served in a leadership position in the community and/or at school, or has demonstrated qualities of leadership.
• Service/Volunteerism – Service is one of NHS’s core values, so candidates must demonstrate a dedication to serving others prior to being inducted. After induction, students will be required to take part in service activities planned by the NHS chapter.

Once inducted, all National Honor Society members are expected to maintain membership requirements of the National Honor Society, including GPA, and to take part in National Honor Society service projects and attend regularly scheduled meetings.

Students may be dismissed for failing to fulfill the Chapter obligations. Dismissal will result in the removal of the NHS designation from school records and, depending on the severity of the infraction, possible notification of colleges to which the student has applied.

Our band program will provide a black dress/tuxedo to wear for all concerts. A rental donation fee of $30.00 is due from each 10th, 11th, and 12th grader. A rental donation of $45.00 is due from each freshman. Over the years, we have purchased over one hundred tuxedos and seventy dresses. The rental donation fee is used yearly to replenish tuxedos and dresses for all students, and to purchase the required blue South Band Polo for new members, as well as miscellaneous items such as reception items, awards, and flowers for seniors.

All students who wish to play an interscholastic sport for Williamsville must have a current sport physical on file in the Health Office. Physicals are good for one year and must cover each entire sport season. Students should go to their own physician for the physical, and it should be documented on our Williamsville forms available in the Health Office. Students should see their own physician for the physical as he/she is familiar with each child’s history. Please have the doctor document his/her findings on our Williamsville forms available in the Health Office. Check with the Health Office for the exact date needed for each sport.

The qualifying dates for each season are as follows:

• Fall sports: August 1st or later of the preceding year
• Winter sports: November 1st or later of the preceding year
• Spring sports: March 1st or later of the preceding year

Athletes must have the drug and alcohol policy/consent form/health history form signed by a parent or guardian and the athlete before coming to the nurse for approval to play. Illnesses of more than 5 days and injuries require a doctor's note to resume competition.

Williamsville student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner:

• During practices and competition (including travel to and from)
• Within the school and on school grounds
• Online and in social media spaces
• In the community

Conduct that is not in line with school and athletic expectations may result in:

• Conduct notification / meeting with parents/guardians
• Alteration of participation
• Suspension of participation
• Removal from team or program

The Interscholastic Athletic Parent/Guardian Student-Athlete Agreement Contract and Medical Certificate contains all pertinent information about participation on an athletic team. This must be reviewed and signed prior to participation. The contract also includes the detailed Interscholastic Drug and Alcohol Policy and Head Injury Return to Play information.

The Interscholastic Drug and Alcohol Policy states that any student-athlete found to have consumed alcohol, drugs, or other unauthorized substances has the option to engage in a restorative return to play component within 2 days of the incident. Student-athletes who agree to opt in to the restorative component and agree to take appropriate responsibility for their actions will participate in a restorative conference, resume practice after two weeks, and resume play after three weeks of the incident. If a student opts out of the restorative component or it is determined that the student-athlete does not take responsibility for their actions, they will have an immediate four week suspension from all practices and play.

Williamsville believes that interscholastic athletics is an important part of education and supports the ideals and values embodied in good sportsmanship. Sportsmanlike behavior is essential if interscholastic competition is to contribute usefully and constructively to the broad goals of education and quality of life of those involved.

Respect for the cultural and ethnic diversity of one's opponents, as well as their school and community, is a fundamental tenet of wholesome athletic competition. This standard suggests that planned activity is needed to demonstrate a warm and friendly welcome, mutual respect, and a genuine readiness to participate in a sportsmanlike manner.

Players should demonstrate both knowledge of the rules and respect for game officials and their decisions. Coaches and school officials have the responsibility to teach and encourage these attributes.

We are committed to the ideals of good sportsmanship that govern our athletic programs at all events.

As student spectators, we have a responsibility to conduct ourselves in a way that supports and brings pride to the team and the school. Our school has dedicated all of us to the importance of sportsmanship.

The major function of athletics in high school is to teach and to foster in the school and community an appreciation for athletics and all young people.

The Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Law (SAVE) and New York State Commissioner of Education regulations require all school Districts to have a District-wide safety plan. The Williamsville Central School District has a comprehensive plan, adopted by the Board of Education, which outlines specific actions and responses to emergency situations, violence prevention, and mental health. In addition, building level emergency response plans have been formulated which are reviewed annually by safety teams comprised of administrators, faculty, parents, law enforcement, fire officials and community members.

The District provides ongoing training to school administrators and other staff members to ensure that we are well prepared and children are protected. Emergency drills are conducted routinely in collaboration with the Town of Amherst Police Department at every school to further enhance our practices.

Please know that should an emergency occur, the District will do what is necessary to protect children and then, under the direction of law enforcement, will inform parents and the

community as accurately and fully as possible. Our schools are prepared to keep your children secure and safe should a situation arise that prevents or postpones dismissal. Together with emergency response officials, the District will make every effort to provide a steady, reliable flow of information to parents and the public.

Finally, in partnership with the Amherst Police Department, three full-time School Resource Officers (SRO) are assigned to the Williamsville CSD and are on-site when school is in session. The SRO works closely with the school and District administrators, and serves as an additional resource for all of our schools.

In the fall of 2023, the District began using the Raptor Visitor Management System to identify visitors in our District and school buildings. In order to enter a building, parents/guardians and visitors are required to provide a government issued ID, such as a driver’s license. In doing so, the Raptor system will:

• Keep potential threats out by instantly screening each visitor’s government-issued ID card against the sex offender registries in all 50 states as well as an unlimited number of custom databases
• Sync with the Student Information System (SIS) to ensure you release students to approved guardians
• Allow us to review the visitor’s information side-by-side with the offender’s information immediately while notifications are sent to administrative and security personnel
• Let the school community know visitors are approved by requiring visitors to wear a badge that shows their role type, name, destination, date and time of entry, and photo

If a parent/guardian needs to drop off a forgotten lunch, instrument, etc, at the visitor entrance:

• Ring the buzzer and state the purpose of your visit.
• You will be buzzed into the secure vestibule and will be able to drop off the item using a two-way drop box. If the item is too large to fit in the two-way drop box, you will be buzzed into the Main Office where you may leave the item for your child to pick up.

Student visitors are not permitted.

Parents are responsible for completing all information requested on the Emergency Information Cards (sent home each September) AND to update any changes during the year. Example: parent changes place of work, phone number, address or change of family situation. Parents are responsible for providing transportation home in the event of illness or other emergency.

The Williamsville Central School District uses an automated mass notification system to inform parents, staff and students of a school emergency, school closure, or other important announcement affecting our schools. This eAlert system has several components:

• Email
• Text messages
• Automated phone calls
• Mobile app push alerts

The decision to close schools in weather-related situations normally will be made by the superintendent by 6 a.m. The safety of students and staff is the basis for any decision. Key factors that are considered include current and projected weather conditions, particularly for the Town of Amherst and northern Erie County; and road conditions, as reported by the Amherst Police, the town highway department, and the district’s Transportation Department. On rare occasions, severe weather conditions and road closures or travel bans in other parts of

Western New York may impact the district’s ability to operate school because staff members are unable to get into work.

At times, temperature and wind chill factors are also a consideration in whether or not to close schools. Health officials recommend that districts consider closing schools when the wind chill falls to minus-25 F or lower. A major factor when dealing with extreme cold is the ability to get buses on the road in a timely manner (e.g. amount of de-icing needed; also, diesel fuel begins to gel at sub-zero temperatures).

When schools are closed due to inclement weather, local television stations (Channels 2, 4, 7 and Spectrum News) will be notified as well as the following radio stations: WBEN-AM (930); WKSE-FM (98.5) and WNED-AM (970). The fastest way to get news about a snow day is by signing up for eAlerts and following the district on Facebook and Twitter.

If schools are closed because of bad weather, all other activities including athletic practices and contests, student activities, and Community Education classes are cancelled. If schools are closed for other reasons, activities and sports that are not affected by the specific situation (e.g. power outage, water service disruption)may be permitted with prior approval of the building principal.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of parents or guardians to make the decision regarding school attendance. The option to keep a child home from school when parents consider the weather conditions to be dangerous is always at their discretion. However, if school is in session, parents should notify the school that their child will be absent.

On rare occasions it may be necessary to close a school during the day due to loss of power, loss of water or other emergent situations. If this occurs, procedures are in place to transport

students to an alternate site, if necessary. If you are instructed to pick up your student at a location other than their school, you will be asked to present a photo ID before the student will

be released to your care. If it is determined that school cannot continue for the duration of the day due to an emergency situation, the district will notify parents via its emergency notification system.

Parents are reminded to provide the school office with up-to- date emergency contact information, including work and cell phone numbers. All families should make arrangements for

their children in the event students are dismissed early because of an unanticipated emergency. Your children should be familiar with a safe alternate site (e.g. neighbor’s house) where they may go in the event that you are not home.

Learn More About Emergency Closings and eAlerts

For more information on the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, or to submit a tip, you can access the District/school website.

Williamsville Schools will conduct six fire drills and two lockdown drills between September 1 and December 31, and two fire drillsand two lockdown drills after January 1. Each drill will be conducted on different dates, days of the week, and times of day.

Notice to parents/guardians regarding drills will be made at least one day but no more than one week before each drill.
Emergency plans are available in every classroom.

Emergency procedures will be communicated to students in the beginning of the year, and lockdowns will be practiced throughout the year. Students, it is expected that you will follow all teacher instructions and the directions posted in each room during a drill.

In accordance with the federal Gun-Free Schools Act and New York State law, “students deemed to have brought or possessed a firearm at school, must be suspended for a minimum period of one calendar year, subject to modification on a case-by-case basis by the school superintendent.

The building principal will notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency of code violations that may constitute a crime, violation of the Penal Law, or substantially affect the order or security of a school.

Parents/guardians and students meet with the counselor at the high school. This allows for direct and accurate information to be conveyed to the parents. At this time, counselors may also give a tour of the building, offering each family the opportunity to see the entire building.

The scheduling of shadowing will be limited from 7:45 am to 10:00 am unless otherwise arranged through the guidance office and the administration.

The Williamsville Central School District maintains health offices in each of its 13 schools, staffed with fully qualified, professionally licensed registered nurses who provide health services to students.  Aides are also assigned to each of our health offices to assist our school nurses in supporting the medical needs of our students.  From providing band aids to ice packs, managing acute and chronic illnesses, administering medications, and educating students, families, and staff on various health promotion and prevention strategies, the work our school nurses do on a daily basis is paramount to providing a healthy, safe, and inclusive learning environment.

In the event of an emergency, either during or after school hours, every effort is made to notify parents/guardians or the students emergency contacts. In extreme emergencies and when parents/guardians or their designee are unreachable, the student's health and safety may necessitate transportation of a student by ambulance to a hospital. In those rare cases when the parent/guardian is unavailable, a staff member will accompany the student until the parent can be with their child.

Every family is encouraged to update health information, contact information, which includes emergency contact information, regularly.
 

All students in the Williamsville School District must meet the immunization requirements of New York State Public Health Law, 2164.   Please reference the New York State Health Department’s Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance for a complete list of vaccine requirements with their associated footnotes.  Please work with your child's health care provider and school nurse to determine what immunizations are needed for your child to comply with the vaccine requirements.

Please work with your child’s health care provider and school nurse to determine what immunizations are needed to comply with the vaccine requirements for school entrance and attendance.

These minimum requirements include:

1. Diphtheria and Tetanus-containing vaccine and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP/DTP/Tdap): four doses, Pre-K: three to five doses, grades K through 5: three doses, grades 6 through 12;
2. Tetanus and Diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine and Pertussis booster (Tdap): one dose, students eleven years of age or older enrolling in grades 6 through 12 who have not previously received a Tdap at 10 years of age or older.
3. Polio vaccine (IPV/OPV): three doses, Pre-K; four doses, grades K through 12, unless third dose was received at four years of age or older.
4. Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (MMR): one dose, Pre-K; two doses, grades K through 12.
5. Hepatitis B vaccine: three doses, grades Pre-K through 12.
6. Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine: one dose, Pre-K; two doses, grades K through 12 OR documentation of positive disease history from the health care provider.
7. Meningococcal type A, C, W and Y (MenACWY) vaccine: one dose, grades 7 through 11; two doses, grade 12 with one dose on or after the age of sixteen.

Acceptable alternatives for fulfilling immunization requirements are a blood test indicating immunity (accepted only for measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and varicella) or a valid medical exemption.  Diagnosis by a healthcare provider that a child has had varicella disease is acceptable proof of immunity to varicella.

There are not any non-medical exemptions, including philosophical and religious to the requirement that students must be vaccinated in accordance with NYS Public Health Law to attend public, parochial, or private school, or child day care settings.

Please refer to the following site for clarification of immunization requirements: School Immunization Requirements
 

New York State (NYS) law requires that a health examination be completed by a NYS health care provider for all new entrants, including Pre-K and Kindergarteners, and those enrolled in grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. Additionally, students participating in interscholastic sports or requesting work permits must have an annual health exam. A dental exam form is also requested, but not required at these same times.

Your own health care provider is always the best choice for these exams for optimal continuity of care. We encourage you to call your health care provider early as it may take several weeks to schedule exams especially during the busy summer and fall months.

The required NYS health appraisal form for your health provider to complete is attached for your reference. No other forms will be accepted as they do not satisfy this requirement. If, however, your provider's office uses an electronic version of this same form then this is acceptable. Parents/guardians must furnish the required NYS health appraisal form signed by a duly licensed NYS physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant by September 30th for all mandated health examinations. The completed form may be returned to the school health office via fax or email or in-person when school is in session.

Required NYS Health Examination Form
 

Routine vision and hearing screenings are done for students in 11th grade as well as new students to the district during the school year. 9th grade boys will be screened for scoliosis as well as any new students to the district.

If you wish to not have your child screened, please contact the school’s health office. Screenings will be done without notification since they are a NYS requirement.

Routine vision and hearing screenings are done for students in 5th and 7th grade as well as new students to the district during the school year.

If you wish to not have your child screened, please contact the school’s health office. Screenings will be done without notification since they are a NYS requirement.

As mandated by State education law and District policy, during each school year students in Grades Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 11 receive a vision screening for distance and near vision and hearing.  In addition, students are screened once in kindergarten or upon entrance, for color perception. Finally, boys in Grade 9 and girls in Grades 5 and 7 are screened annually for scoliosis. Parents are advised of any recommended follow-up resulting from these screenings.

Please contact your child’s health office by October 1 if you wish to have your child precluded from the screening process. It will then become the family’s responsibility to provide information from their primary health care provider regarding the student’s health in these areas.

The Williamsville Child Nutrition Program provides meals with a variety of healthy foods that are appealing to students and meet the USDA nutrition standards as well as the criteria for the Healthy Hunger- Free Kids Act of 2010. Our menus feature appetizing and nutritious food

choices including a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are local when the season permits, lower fat meat and dairy, plus many whole grain enriched options. Menus are carefully planned to provide a balanced, healthy meal.

Starting in September of 2025, we will begin operating under the Universal Meal Program. In the last budget vote, New York State passed the Universal Meal Program for all of New York school districts. This program allows all students access to 1 free breakfast and 1 free lunch per regular

school day. This program does not cover snacks, a la carte items such as a single milk, or second entrée/lunch. Those items will require payment at the time of purchase. These items cannot be charged to any students' account.

We will continue to use myschoolbucks.com to allow students to pay for extra purchases. To register your child, you will need the nine-digit student ID number listed on your child’s report card. Payments can also be taken at the register. Parents may send checks (payable to Williamsville Food Service) or cash with students to be placed on account. Any remaining student account funds “graduate” each year to the child’s next grade/school.

The state and local governments subsidize school lunches. We will continue to ask families to fill out the free or reduced-price lunch /breakfast program. The application form may qualify your family to be eligible for other programs from the state. The applications get distributed at the beginning of the school year and are also posted on our website. We encourage all families to fill it out if you believe you may qualify.

For more iformation about our Child Nutrition Program, please call 716-626-8870. Procedures are subject to change with guidance from the State Education Department regarding COVID-19.

To encourage good nutrition, a well-balanced breakfast and lunch is offered. Menus are available on line.

For a regular school day, buses are scheduled to arrive at school no later than 7:25 am and to depart at the end of the day at 2:55 pm.

Students are expected to behave in an orderly and positive way at all times. It is imperative that students consider the health and safety of all who are riding the bus and follow the directions of the driver. Smoking is not allowed at any time. Failure to behave properly, obey all rules, and listen to the driver will result in disciplinary action and possible removal of the student from the bus for a period of time to be determined by the administration.

Bicycle racks are provided for student use and are located near the PE entrance of the building. Bicycles must be locked to a bicycle rack. Bicycles that are locked to trees, light poles, goal posts, etc. will be removed in any way necessary at the owner’s expense.

Student parking at South High School is a privilege. Parking is open to senior, junior, and sophomore
students. A limited number of spots are allocated first to seniors, then juniors, and then to sophomores.
To be able to drive to school, students must register their car in the Main Office and fill out an application.

Seniors will be given first priority, followed by juniors, and then sophomores. Once the appropriate number of spots has been filled, no more parking permits will be issued.

Any student who drives or rides to school in a car does so at his/her own risk. WCSD is not liable for damage, vandalism, or theft of the vehicle or items in the vehicle. Driving to school and parking on school property is a privilege requiring strict adherence to the following rules:

• A valid parking tag must be displayed on the inside
• rear view mirror
• Students are to park in designated areas only
• (designated by white lines) -- not in teacher, staff, or
• visitor areas (yellow lines)
• Campus speed limit is 5 mph; drive carefully
• It is unlawful to pass a school bus with flashing lights
• Parking privileges may be suspended or terminated (as determined by administration) and/or additional disciplinary consequences may be given for any of the following:
  • Violation of the parking rules noted above
  • Unsafe driving
  • Persistent disciplinary problems
  • Persistent parking/driving infractions
  • Unacceptable academic performance
  • Students who illegally leave campus, either in their car, another student’s car or by foot

Students who wish to drive themselves to Harkness must obtain a permit and approval by an administrator from both Harkness and South High School.

Any student who is issued a permit may have that permit revoked under these circumstances:

1. Driving other students to or from Harkness. Students are prohibited from driving others
2. Abuses the time of arrival at either school
3. Loitering in or about the vehicle resulting in lost class time
4. Inappropriate driving or parking at either school site

1. General Policy

• Student use of personal, internet-enabled devices and the associated headphones/headsets (Bluetooth enabled accessories), are prohibited during the entire school day (bell to bell), including all instructional and non-instructional times (e.g., homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls, passing time).   Personal, internet-enabled devices include but are not limited to: smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, gaming consoles, fitbits, Google glasses, VR headsets, MP3 players, iPods, and iPads.

2. Device Storage

Elementary Level:

• Devices must be stored in students’ homeroom in a teacher-designated storage system, turned off, from the time they enter the building at the start of the school day until they exit the building at the end of the school day.

Middle and High School Level:

• Devices must be turned off and stored in a locked locker during the school day.

3. Exceptions to the Policy

Students may use their personal, internet-enabled devices under the following circumstances:

• Authorized by a Teacher - For a specific educational purpose (including personally owned laptops)
• Healthcare Needs - As required for tracking health conditions or medical purposes as per Individual Health Care Plan (example: Diabetes monitoring)
• In the event of an emergency at the direction of a building administrator 
• Translation Services - As necessary for English Language Learners
• On a case-by-case basis for student caregivers responsible for the well-being of a family member.  Such allowance will only be permitted after a review and determination by a school social worker, school counselor or school psychologist
• Required by Law - If the use of the device is mandated by law
• IEP/504 Plans - When specified in a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan (Limited in scope. A structured process will be developed.)

4. Methods of Communication for Parents to Contact their Child During the School Day

• Parents may call the main office to leave a message for their child.  In addition, students may use the school’s phone in the office (or classroom, when available and appropriate) to call their parent/guardian. 
• Where age appropriate, parents may also WITS mail their own child

Parent Notification: Parents will receive written notification (via Family Handbook, school website, WITS homepage, District website, District app, District calendar) about the methods available to contact their child during the school day.

5. Enforcement and Consequences

• First Offense - Device confiscated.  Parent notification.  Warning.   Returned to student at the end of the school day.
• Second Offense - Device confiscated.  Parent notification.  Warning.   Returned to parent.
• Third Offense and beyond - Device confiscated.  Parent notification.  Additional school consequences.   Returned to parent.
• Refusal to Comply (Middle and High School): In-school suspension for refusal to turn over a device when asked by an adult.
• A student’s refusal to comply multiple times may result in a student being required to place personal, internet-enabled electronic device(s) in a secure storage space. prior to the first bell of the scheduled school day. Following the last bell of the day, the storage solution will be unlocked.

6. Training and Communication

Student Communication:

• Students will receive training on the policy through classroom lessons and/or assemblies.

Family Communication:

• The policy will be communicated to families via the Family Handbook, school newsletters, school website, WITS homepage, District website, District app, District calendar.
• Parents will be notified prior to the start of the school year about the policy and their role in supporting the distraction-free environment.

Educator Training:

• Educators will receive training during in-service days at the beginning of the school year regarding the policy, how to enforce it, and how to communicate with parents.

7. Policy Adoption and Evaluation 

• By August 1, 2025 the District must adopt a policy
  • The policy must be published on its website - including translation in the 12 most spoken languages
• By September 1, 2026 the District must publish an annual report on its website detailing the enforcement of the policy including demographic data